When in doubt, buy them out: The Tipline for 21 August 2019

Critics have argued that the Department of Justice’s antitrust division was too lenient in approving airline mergers during the Obama administration amid a string of consolidation. Many of those same critics have argued US antitrust enforcers have been too lenient in approving technology mergers. Yesterday, the agency challenged a deal that encompasses both sectors. The division alleges Sabre’s acquisition of Farelogix is an attempt to eliminate a “disruptive competitor” in the market for airline flight booking services. Meanwhile, Sabre said the DOJ’s claims “reflect a fundamental misunderstanding of the industry”.